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Rape

A Johnson County Rape Lawyer Can Protect Your Freedom and Your Reputation 

Being charged with rape can be terrifying, overwhelming, and devastating.  Outside of homicides, a rape charge is the most serious felony a person can be charged with. Because rape charges have some of the most severe sentencing guidelines, you probably want to know what is going to happen.  Speaking with a qualified Johnson County rape lawyer can help you understand what you should do next to protect yourself from these serious charges.

Being Investigated for Rape

If you know you are the subject of a police investigation involving a rape or other sex crime, it is important to speak with a Johnson County rape lawyer to learn your rights and to understand what to do.  These investigations generally take time to unfold. This means there will likely be time to prepare prior to formal charges being filed. Additionally, evidence which may not be available later on needs to be gathered to preserve possible defenses.

Penalties for Rape Under Kansas Law 

Under the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines, a person convicted of rape is presumed to serve prison time.  Rape is always a felony in Johnson County, and sentencing could range from 147 to 653 months prison time depending upon past criminal history. In addition, the law requires anyone convicted to be placed on the sex offender registry.

Having a lawyer with considerable trial experience is always important, but especially crucial in rape cases.  These charges will always stay on your record and cannot be expunged. In addition, being on the sex offender registry can affect your ability to get a job, impact where you can live, and influence how others view you.

Facing Rape Charges in District Court

There are six potential criminal judges that you could appear in front of in Johnson County District Court. Cases are assigned randomly after the case has been filed.  The district attorney’s office has a sex crimes unit, and will assign a prosecutor who is experienced with rape cases. During a consultation I can normally tell you which judge and prosecutor will be working on your case. Keeping in mind that every case and set of facts is different, I can give generalized information for how they have handled similar cases in the past to help you better understand your circumstances.

Defenses to a Rape Charge

Every case has different facts and evidence, and may require different strategies to fight rape charges. The first step I take with my clients in their defense is to determine if we can get the charges dropped or if we can obtain a lesser charge.

At times, it may be important to share information with the prosecutor because it may lead them to drop the charges completely.  Other times, it may be important to hold our cards closer to our chest to utilize for a defense at trial. Regardless of the circumstances, it is crucial that the prosecutor believes that we are prepared to fight the charges to get the best result — either with an agreement or at trial.

Contact an Experienced Johnson County Rape Lawyer

If you are currently facing rape charges in Kansas, then it’s important that you speak to a Johnson County rape lawyer as soon as possible.  I’m Jerry Merrill, a Criminal Defense Attorney in Johnson County. I have devoted my career to the practice of criminal law and worked on thousands of cases.  

As a former prosecutor, special counsel in multiple jurisdictions, and occasional pro tempore judge, I have the needed depth of experience to help with sex crime arrests.  In addition, I know how important it is to have someone who truly cares about getting the best results possible. I provide my direct number to clients, respond to calls and texts the same day, and have evening and weekend hours if needed.

This is your life, and you need to be confident in your defense.

Call 913-381-2085 for a free consultation.

Contact Us

Merrill Law Firm

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7211 West 98th Terrace, Building 4, Suite 140
Overland Park, Kansas 66212

T. 913-381-2085 | F. 913-341-1130

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